Freddie Flintoff is set to become the new host of a legendary game show from the 1980s and 1990s.
The former Top Gear star is said to be presenting a one-off festive special of Bullseye on ITV which will air this year.
It was originally hosted by comic Jim Bowen from 1981 until 1995 but is being given a reboot with the hopes of a full series to follow.
Bullseye tests contestants' darts skills and general knowledge as they compete for cash and prizes.
The game show was revived on Challenge TV in 2006, hosted by comedian Dave Spikey, but was cancelled after two series.
The 46-year-old told The Sun: “I love the darts and Bullseye was one of my favourite shows as a kid.
“I can’t quite believe I’ll get to host this Christmas special.
“You can’t beat a bit of Bully,” echoing Bowen’s catchphrase.
A source added: "Few would have predicted the move but it’s a genius signing.”
Katie Rawcliffe, director of entertainment and daytime commissioning at ITV said: “Bullseye is back and we can’t wait to welcome Freddie Flintoff back to ITV too.
“It’s a real treat to have both as key parts of our Christmas schedule on ITV1 and ITVX this year.”
Flintoff last appeared on TV in August in a BBC documentary called Freddie Flintoff’s Field Of Dreams On Tour, where he first spoke about a crash that happened while filming Top Gear.
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The Ashes player explained: "Week and a half after my accident. Genuinely should not be here after what happened. This is going to be a long road back and I have only just started and I am struggling already. I need help. I really am not the best at asking for it. I need to stop crying every two minutes. I am looking forward to seeing the lads and being around them, I really am. This India trip is going to be for me as much as them now. I really want to go."
The crash, which left the former England cricketer with facial and rib injuries, happened at the motoring show’s test track at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey, in December 2022.
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The BBC later announced it had “rested” Top Gear for the foreseeable future.
In the documentary, Flintoff admitted it had been “a lot harder than I thought” to shake off the crash, as he had been struggling with anxiety, nightmares, and flashbacks.
Flintoff has made a steady return to the public eye since, rejoining England’s backroom staff for their T20 series against the West Indies earlier this year, and as head coach of the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred.
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